Cake and Punctuation: A Definition of Happiness, Slides of English Language

Download Cake and Punctuation: A Definition of Happiness and more Slides English Language in PDF only on Docsity!

Cake and Punctuation: A Definition of Happiness Claudia Hayes School of Undergraduate Studies, Excelsior College English 101: English Composition Dr. Mindy Walker March 11, 2020

Cake and Punctuation: A Definition of Happiness At one point in the British television show An Idiot Abroad , the cranky presenter Karl said, “I say happiness is like having a cake. If you have a cake every day, you get sick of that cake. If you’re happy all the time, you get sick of being happy” (as cited in Pilkington, 2012). Happiness is certainly an elusive cultural concept. People use words like “happy” and “happiness” frequently—in statements like, “I just want to be happy”—but the meaning is ambiguous. Exploration into the idea reveals the complexities and contradictions of happiness. According to the Oxford Dictionaries , happiness is “the state of [feeling or showing pleasure or contentment]” (Happiness). If asked, many would likely give similar synonyms. However, the way the population uses the word happiness distinguishes it from other states of being, such as contentment. For example, Karl’s assertion that an individual can get sick of being happy suggests happiness is manic and circumstantial, an unsustainably heightened condition. The statement “I just want to be happy” similarly suggests happiness is an elusive feeling of pleasure associated with a set of desirable circumstances. Happiness requires smiles, laughter, and a carefree spirit, whereas contentment suggests appreciation and peace despite imperfect conditions. Surely, few could tire of feeling peace and desire internal agitation instead. In this context, Karl has a point. Happiness functions best as a punctuation mark rather than a full essay. Happiness is the euphoria of a new relationship or the elation of a good grade; it stems from a day without responsibilities or a beautiful family moment. Part of happiness’s charm is its novelty. Humans appear to enjoy chasing moments of sheer pleasure, and without anticipation and contrast, happiness, as with any heightened sense, becomes tiring. Happiness is not contentment. It does not supersede pain or undesirable circumstances in the way contentment can, and it is not balanced or consistent. The antonym of happiness is Commented [A1]: The author opens her definition essay with an analogy strategy, using a quote to compare happiness to having cake. Commented [A2]: In her thesis statement, the author not only presents the concept to be defined but also makes an assertion related to the concept. Here, the author asserts that happiness can be difficult to define. Commented [A3]: The author begins with the literal definition of the concept – denotation. However, she asserts that this definition is not encompassing enough. Commented [A4]: Here, the author explores the implied meaning of happiness – connotation. Commented [A5]: The author lists some examples to describe happiness – enumeration. Commented [A6]: In this paragraph, the author explores what happiness is not. This is a clear negation strategy.

References Happiness. (n.d.). In Oxford Dictionaries online. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/happiness?q=happine ss Pilkington, K. (Presenter), Campbell, L. (Director). (2011, September 21). Desert island (Series 2, Episode 1) [TV series episode]. In R. Gervais (Producer), An idiot abroad. RISK Productions.